Manitoba provides school absentee reports

Guardians of school-aged children in Manitoba will have access to daily updates about unusual absentee rates in schools, the province announced Wednesday.

Education Minister Peter Bjornsonsaid the move will allowcaregivers to make informed decisions about theirchildren's health in the wake of ananticipated outbreak ofswine fluin the fall and winter.

"Being aware of abnormal levels of absenteeism will also remind parents to take proper precautions, such as ensuring that children with flu-like symptoms remain home and that alternate arrangements for child care should be made," Bjornson said in a statement.

The updates will be provided online at school division websites, the province said.

The notificationswill not be madespecific to flu-like illnesses, Bjornson said, becauseabsenteeism could be related to other circulating viruses or for non-medical reasons.

Schools already report unusual absentee rates to Manitoba Health, which would then conduct a public health assessment.

The provincial Family Services and HousingDepartment is also working with child-care centres to ensure proper communication to guardians about unusual absenteeism rates.